Prevalence and Pattern of Congenital Heart Disease Among Children in Khartoum State, Sudan: A Reflection of the Current Cardiac Profile

Abstract

Introduction Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are common anomalies that increase morbidity and mortality among children and adolescents. It impacts the lifestyle of survivors who live with one defect of the minor spectrum of CHD. Our research goal was directed to estimate the prevalence of CHD in Khartoum State, Sudan. Furthermore, we compared the pattern of CHD we acquired with that determined in a previous study in our country during the early nineties of the twentieth century (1994). Methods This is an observational cross-sectional study done by reviewing the medical records of 596 patients diagnosed with CHD from pediatric hospitals in Khartoum State between January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. We used a checklist with closed-ended statements; this was reviewed by pediatric cardiologists. Results Prevalence was determined to be 14.3/1000. There was a male predominance of 56.7%. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) was the most commonly occurring lesion (26.6%), followed by tetralogy of Fallot (TOF; 14.1%) and then patent ductus arteriosus (PDA; 10.6%). The most common combined anomalies were transposition of great arteries (TGA) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) (9.1%). Conclusion The prevalence of CHD in Khartoum State is estimated to be 14.3/1000, which is nearly similar to some countries in Africa but higher than most of the continent's countries. VSD was the most common isolated anomaly among CHD patients. There was slight male predominance. Our findings could be used to plan appropriate long-term strategies; to prevent a further rise in the prevalence of CHD. In addition, to be capable of investigating the predisposing factors behind CHD.